ForestXplorer

Explore Rendlesham Forest

Latest News (08/02/2018 16:52)

The bike park is currently closed due to water damage and other maintenance issues. The site is therefore awaiting review in order to establish future works.

The Downed Bomber is also out of use until repairs can be undertaken.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Explore Rendlesham on foot or by bike. Play equipment and a cycle park will give you a forest experience with even more fun!

Harvesting Operations

During 2017/18 harvesting operations will be taking place in South Rendlesham. The Rendlesham Harvesting Operations map will help you plan your visit. Always obey warning or restriction signage around the forest.

Dog Walking

Walking your dog is a great way to exercise and enjoy the great outdoors. With miles of paths to explore in our forests, there’s no need to leave your four-legged friend behind next time you’re planning a day out.

Walking trails

There are two circular walks, the blue easy access trail of 1.2km/0.75 miles and the longer red trail of 5km/3miles. Both will take you through plantations, heathland and wetlands. The UFO trail will stimulate your imagination and take you to some of the areas connected to the UFO sighting in December 1980.

The two cycle routes of varying distance and difficulty criss cross the forest. The bike park is an exciting place for experienced cyclists to develop their skills. There is something for cyclists of all ages. Find out more

There is no bike hire facility at Rendlesham.

Out of this world play

The play areas can be found near to the car park and provide a challenge for all ages with a tube slide, obstacle course, swings, zip-line and much more.

Wonderful wildlife

Rendlesham is home to two important bird species, the Nightjar and Woodlark.

Picnics & barbecues

After your forest adventure take your family and friends for a relaxing picnic.

You may bring your own barbecue to use on one of the concrete bases found in the picnic area. Please complete and return a barbecue permit form available from the info hut when open or the main forest office.

Bear Grills Forest Caterer

Bear Grills can be found in the main car park during most summer weekends and school holidays.

Pony Rides

Rendlesham Forest Pony Trekking offers the opportunity for children and adults to explore the forest through led pony rides.

You'll find us adjacent to the main car park on summer weekends and some weekdays during school holidays (subject to fair weather and demand) from 10.00 - 16.00. Book your pony ride with Rendlesham Forest Pony Trekking as soon as you arrive to avoid disappointment!

Prices start from just £10 for a Forest Experience Arrive and Ride. Cash and card payments accepted on location. Age from 4 years.

Rendlesham Forest Pony Trekking are licensed under the Riding Establishment Acts (1964) and (1970) and are fully insured against liability. Riders are asked not to wear open toed shoes / sandals.

Please contact Rendlesham Forest Pony Trekking for details on dates they will be on site and for more information at:

Please tell us about your visit

What do other visitors say?

WERE CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT CAMPING I PARTICULARLY ENJOY WILD CAMPING IN A HAMMOCK STRUNG BETWEEN TREES IS THIS PERMITTED ANYWHERE

IAN ELLIOTT, 29/Dec/2017

Wild camping is not permitted anywhere on Forestry Commission land. There is a campsite at Tangham in Rendlesham Forest - this is open seasonally between March and October.

Forestry Commission Response

Can anyone recommend any lodges in the area? Me and my son are fascinated by the RAF UFO story and would love to visit however my son is young and would not like to camp.

Tracey , 25/Dec/2017

https://www.visitsuffolk.com/ has listings for many places to stay in Suffolk.

Forestry Commission Response

2 Stars

Had a nightmare..signposts were completely misleading due to works going on. Partner and I got lost and really panicked. Better signposting required, particularly when diversions are in place!

Paul, 3/Dec/2017

Thanks for trying to obey the operations signage it's very important that visitors do for their own safety. We are sorry you found them hard to follow. We also have a web page which provides a map of work areas to help you. Check out https://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/beeh-9vnet5

Help us take care of your forest

What's Here?

Arts

Barbeque

Camping

Cycling

Dogs on lead

Educational

Horse riding

Orienteering

Picnic

Play area

Walking

Toliets

Parking (chargeable)

£3.50 for all day parking - correct change only.Parking charges also apply to horse box / trailer parking and coaches / minibuses.Please note as from 30th March charges will be £4.00 for all day parking and £2.50 for up to 2 hours.

Location

Get directions

Contact

Opening & Parking

Opening Times:

GMT 08:00 - 18:00

Parking

£3.50 for all day parking - correct change only.Parking charges also apply to horse box / trailer parking and coaches / minibuses.Please note as from 30th March charges will be £4.00 for all day parking and £2.50 for up to 2 hours.